“It’s just that little slice of life for you”. The meaning of outdoor swimming in lidos
An occupational perspective
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22422864 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Katherine Arnott (0009-0007-3910-3583, York St John University), Hannah Spring (0000-0001-9836-2795, York St John University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-15 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-05 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Occupational Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1442-7591 • E-ISSN: 2158-1576 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/14427591.2026.2649726 |
| OpenAlex | W7160275706 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 41 |
Background: In England, there has been a rapid increase in the popularity of outdoor swimming and in the number of lidos. Research has considered the meanings of outdoor swimming; however, lido swimming remains virtually unexplored. From an occupational science perspective, meaningful occupation is fundamental to positive health outcomes; therefore, deepening understandings of meaning in lido swimming as an occupation is essential.Aim: To explore the personal meanings of lido swimming and how engaging in this occupation impacts perceived health and well-being.Methodology: Grounded in an interpretivist methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six adults who swam regularly at a lido in the East of England. Data were gathered in-situ at the lido and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.Findings: The meaning of lido swimming is multi-faceted. Two main themes were identified: connection and belonging, and benefits to well-being. Lido swimming facilitated social and community connectedness, belonging, and connections between the past and present. Benefits to well-being emerged from a sense of purpose, routine, achievement, escapism, and feelings of harmony. These resulted in a strong emotional attachment to lido swimming and to the lido itself.Conclusions: This research contributes to occupational science theories of meaning-making. Novel findings suggest lido swimming is a distinct form of outdoor swimming with unique contributions to health and well-being. The meanings of lido swimming appear to expand beyond the swimming itself, encompassing deeper meanings of community, connection, purpose, and escapism.
Everyday life · Occupational science · Perspective-taking · Adventure Sports and Sensation Seeking · Occupational Therapy Practice and Research · Outdoor and Experiential Education
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| Highly cited | No |
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